Robert Harwell

Born May 2, 1939, in Poplar Bluff, Mo., he was the son of the late Reg and Lila Harwell, long-time residents of Sikeston, Mo. He grew up in Sikeston with his surviving sister, Regina "Jeanie" and brother, John. All three graduated from Sikeston High School. Robert, who excelled in basketball and dramatic arts, enjoyed theater, music, and dancing. After serving in the U.S. Army, he earned a bachelors degree in business administration and a masters degree in accounting from the University of Missouri.

In 1965, he joined Hewlett-Packard as a certified public accountant, where he eventually became division controller of the Palo Alto (Calif.) Division. When he left Hewlett-Packard in the 1980s, he relocated to Atlanta to direct the southeast division of a non-profit group, "Beyond War." During his eight years with the organization, he met with national leaders, including former President Jimmy Carter to promote world peace. When the disease progressed to the point where he could not care for himself, he relocated to Washington state to live with his sister, Regina Bear's family. His sense of humor and love of music, especially Broadway shows, rock and roll and classical, helped him through the Alzheimer's journey.

He is survived by three sons, Brian Harwell, Derek Harwell and Andrew Harwell, all of California; a brother, John Harwell of Sacramento, Calif.; and a sister, Regina Bear of Newcastle; one nephew, Travis Bear; two nieces, Courtney Bear and Michele Harwell; and three grandnephews, Tycho Bear, Ptolemy Bear and Kylo Harwell.

A service to celebrate his life will be conducted at 10 a.m. June 1 at the First Presbyterian Church , 1717 Bellevue Way NE in Bellevue.